I attended RTA public meeting on Thursday to view the proposed pedestrian footbridge to be erected at The Spit for $3.5m. Of the Manly residents present, none of us had been aware of this proposal previously and were totally against it. The majority of the others from Mosman were also totally against the idea. Based on RTA data, removal of the pedestrian crossing would save 32 seconds per traffic light cycle of 180 sec, if the average 90 pedestrians who used it during peak hour (6am-10am M-F) went over the proposed footbridge instead of using the crossing. Let's be clear here. They are talking about removing the pedestrian crossing completely and providing a footbridge OVER the road as the only safe means of crossing the road. (The structure will have a lift for those with prams or disabilities and of course cyclist are also expected to use it.) Get the details full details here. This area is the 'gateway' to Manly and the Northern Beaches and yet it is to have one of our most beautiful, natural entrances blocked by a structure that anyone with common sense will soon ascertain will not be used. During peak times, the traffic is hardly moving anyway to why not just duck between the cars? And as for the weekends - yikes, it's an accident just waiting to happen. Please take a moment to look at the bulk of this footbridge. While I give 10/10 to the bridge designers who have done their best to try to 'blend' it with the natural surroundings, can't we please review this decision now that we have a new State Government and see if it really is such a good idea after all? What do you think?? Join the conversation by making a comment. Fill out our Poll here.
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Thanks to everyone who has sent me their comments on whether Manly has Crows or Ravens. Unfortunately, I accidentally deleted the post (still learning the technology!) so invite you to add your comment here. For those who are new to the conversation, here is what I asked: "The recent sighting of 'crows' attacking a little penguin near Manly Wharf and then subsequent sighting of a 'crow' poking around the rocks where they nest at Federation Point has raised the issue. Are they crows or ravens? It seems they are ravens. Does anyone know?" I have just received a fantastic article written by Johanna Grahn which really highlights the real (and continuing) problem we have with cigarette butts littering & polluting our parks, beaches and water in Manly. Just strolling from Manly Wharf along East Esplanade she collected 217 butts in 1 hour (and those butts are hard to pick up!). Any ideas how we can change this? At last night’s Council meeting the motion was passed that:
“Council hereby confirms that no street closures, one way conversions or shared zones will be included on the beachfront (North and South Steyne) or the Corso via Whistler Street routes in the Manly2015 scheme.” This is great news, not only for those who live and work on the Eastern Hill but anyone who needs to drive in Manly's CBD. Thank you to everyone who supported our campaign for this change to the 2015 Plan. As the word starts to get out, more and more residents have become concerned about the totally unworkability of Manly Council's 2015 Traffic Plan. More street closures, 10km pedestrian-shared zones and the removal of 400 street car parking spaces is just the beginning. More details and online petition here.
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AuthorCandy Bingham, Deputy Mayor & Manly Ward Councillor on Northern Beaches Council. Background in marketing, public relations and community engagement. Author of five business books. Former Lady Mayoress of Sydney. Aka Candy Tymson. ........................................
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